Comparative analysis of cosmetic ingredient degradation: Fungal vs. bacterial activity in diverse media as potential replacements

The study explores the resilience of fungi and bacteria in degrading three selected cosmetic ingredients, butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA), benzophenone 3 (BZ3), and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D4), across different pH levels and temperatures. Understanding microbial adaptability and optimizing degradation conditions are crucial for effective biodegradation processes, given the influence of pH and temperature on microbial activity. Trametes versicolor and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were chosen as representative fungal and bacterial species for degradation studies, with synthetic wastewater utilized alongside traditional growth media. Our research pioneers the utilization of synthetic wastewater alongside traditional growth media, recognizing its untapped potential in enhancing degradation efficiency. By subjecting fungi to environmental stressors, we illuminate the adaptive strategies employed by these organisms, crucial for optimizing biodegradation processes. The hypothesis posited that synthetic wastewater would enhance degradation efficiency, while subjecting fungi to environmental stressors would elucidate their adaptability. Two temperatures (25 °C & 37 °C) and two pH levels (2.5 & 6.89) were examined to mimic real-world conditions, employing advanced techniques like Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to assess degradation efficiency. Results revealed successful fungal degradation, particularly with complete D4 degradation in synthetic wastewater and partial degradation in PDB media at 25 °C. At 37 °C, complete BHA and BZ3 degradation occurred in PDB media, with higher rates in synthetic wastewater. However, bacterial degradation was incomplete, especially in synthetic wastewater. Leveraging synthetic wastewater as a medium for targeted degradation of multiple pollutants by specific microbial species represents an innovative advancement in biodegradation methodologies, highlighting the importance of microbial adaptability in biodegradation processes.